Hand apparatus, in particular for dental purposes, for dispensing a pasty filler mass

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a hand apparatus ( 1 ), in particular for dental purposes, for dispensing a pasty filler mass (M) the viscosity of which can be reduced by supplying vibration energy, having an apparatus housing ( 5 ), having a container ( 4 ) for the pasty filler mass (M), having an exit nozzle ( 11 ) standing in connection with the container ( 4 ), having a vibration generator ( 3 ), and having pressure production means ( 18 ) for exercising pressure on the pasty filler mass (M). In order to improve the transfer of vibrations in the region of the hand apparatus the vibration generator ( 3 ) and the container ( 4 ) are mounted movably with respect to the apparatus housing ( 5 ) and are directly vibration-coupled with each other.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 11/993,968, filedMar. 11, 2008, which is the U.S. national stage of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2006/005973, filed Jun. 21, 2006, which claimspriority to DE 10 2005 028 925.8, filed Jun. 22, 2005. The entirecontents of application Ser. No. 11/993,968 is incorporated herein byreference.

The invention relates to a hand apparatus in accordance with thepreamble of claims 1 to 5 and to a container for such a hand apparatus.

In medical technology it is known to fill, and therefore to repair,cavities in an animal or human body part or in a prosthesis with afiller material, e.g. after material removing working of a defect. Forthis, curable filler masses are used, which are brought into the cavityin a pasty or liquid condition and then harden. Thereby, a distinctionis to be made between a direct filling and an indirect filling. In adirect filling only the filler mass is brought into the cavity, so thatit fills the cavity. In an indirect filling a preferably customizedinlay placement part is put in place in the cavity with the filler mass,so that the latter connects the placement part with the wall of thecavity. Here, not only is a mechanical anchorage of the filler mass inthe cavity important, but also a sealed placement of the filler mass inthe cavity, to avoid gaps through which contaminants and germs, which inthe case of a body tissue could lead to inflammation and which coulddestroy the preparation, could penetrate.

A typical application of an above-described preparation, in which therearise particular requirements regarding the hand apparatus and thehandling thereof, is tooth preparation in the mouth of a patient or atraining head for teaching purposes. With such a dental-medicaltreatment case there arise particular requirements regarding thestructural size of the handpiece, since the mouth of a patient isrelatively small, and therefore under consideration of a requiredfreedom of View a structural size as small as possible is to be strivenfor.

In DE 100 01 513 A1 there are described a method of filling a toothfiller mass, based on synthetic resin, into a cavity of a tooth, and ahand apparatus for carrying out such a method, wherein during fillingthe filler mass and a nozzle of the hand apparatus are acted upon withsound, particular with ultrasound, and the hand apparatus has meanswhich convey the filler mass from a supply container of the nozzle. Thisknown method and hand apparatus made it possible to use filler masseswith a relatively high content of fillers, which increase the toughnessof the filler mass and thereby reduce shrinkage and the danger of gapformation upon hardening. With this known hand apparatus a leverarrangement is provided for conveying the filler mass, which upon itsmanual actuation at the same time switches on an ultrasound source, inparticular a piezo-oscillator, which is arranged in the rearward regionof the hand apparatus body. The filler mass is arranged in a cartridgewhich can be put in place and fixed in a section arranged in the forwardend region of the hand apparatus body. Upon manual actuation of thelever arrangement the filler mass is conveyed out by an advancing punchconnected to the lever arrangement and acting on the rearward end, ofthe cartridge.

From EP 0 480 472 B1 there can be understood a method for the productionof dental masses which contain a binder or such a high proportion offiller materials, that the dental mass itself is not usable for theintended purpose due to its high viscosity, whereby however one mixesthe filler materials with the binder under the action of an oscillationin the frequency range 20 Hz to 50 kHz with an amplitude of 1 μm to 5μm, through which the viscosity is reduced to a usable value.

The invention is based on the object, with a hand apparatus inaccordance with the preamble of the claim 1, of improving vibrationtransmission in the region of the hand apparatus.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 or 2. Advantageousdevelopments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the insight that the handpiece apparatus bodyis only poorly suited for transferring the vibrations provided by thevibration generator to the container or the filler mass.

In accordance with the configuration in accordance with the inventionaccording to claim 1, the vibration generator and the container aremounted movably with respect to the apparatus housing and directlyvibration-coupled with each other.

In accordance with the configuration in accordance with the inventionaccording to claim 2 there extends forwardly from the vibrationgenerator a vibration part vibration-coupled therewith, which is mountedaxially and/or radially or 3-dimensionally oscillatable in the apparatushousing, and has a receiving chamber, accessible from the front, for thecontainer or the filler mass has.

Both in the case of the configuration in accordance with the inventionaccording to claim 1 and also that according to claim 2 the apparatushousing is not a component directly transferring the vibrations, and itis therefore largely free from vibration transmission. Through this, thevibration energy applied by the vibration generator can be bettertransferred to the container and the filler mass. This is possible inthat the vibration generator, the container and the oscillation part ismounted in the apparatus housing movably or oscillatably and thereforeonly a relatively slight part of the vibration power is transferred tothe apparatus housing, whereby this part is determined by the preferablyelastic mounting function, with which a slight part of the vibrationenergy—at least with radial or 3-dimensional oscillation amplitudes—isinevitably transferred to the apparatus housing. The apparatus housingis therefore largely freed from the vibration transmission. Through thisthe hand apparatus in accordance with the invention is also handlingfriendly because upon handling hardly any vibrations are transferred tothe operating hand gripping the hand apparatus.

Within the scope of the invention the oscillation part may be connectedvibration-coupled to the container for the filler mass, or it may have areceiving chamber, accessible from the fore, for the filler mass.Insofar as a container is present, this can project into the receivingchamber completely or only with its rearward region.

To ensure a loss as slight as possible of the vibration energy upon thetransmission of the vibrations from the oscillation part to thecontainer, it is advantageous to so connect the container with theoscillation part by means of a connection so firm that a vibrationcoupling is present between the container and the oscillation part andalso the vibration generator, which due to the direct transmission makespossible the desired great usage of the vibration energy. This can berealized e.g. in that the connection is formed by a screw connectionand/or in that the container bears, with a peripheral surface, on aninner peripheral surface of the oscillation part.

The invention is further based on the object of so configuring a handapparatus in accordance with the preamble of the claim 3 that itsfilling function is improved.

This object is achieved by the features of the claim 3.

With the configuration in accordance with the invention according toclaim 3 there is provided a setting means for adjusting the vibrationenergy to be transferred to the container.

This configuration in accordance with the invention is based on theinsight that by action on the container with differently large vibrationenergies differently large viscosities are achieved, which in operationlead to differently large quantities of filler mass leaving the exitnozzle. Thereby the invention is further based on the insight that thedifferently large exit quantities are suitable for differently largecavities to be filled and therefore the configuration in accordance withthe invention not only not makes the hand apparatus more efficient withregard to a desired exit quantity because selectively great and smallexit quantities can be selected, but also makes possible adaptability todifferent filling requirements. For filling small cavities or cavitiesof difficult form the hand apparatus in accordance with the inventioncan be adjusted for the dispensing of a small filling mass quantity andfor large cavities for the dispensing of a great filling mass quantity.The selectively adjustable greater or smaller dispensing quantity can beeffected in at least one step or in stepless manner.

The invention is based further on the object of simplifying a handapparatus in accordance with the preamble of claim 4 with regard to itsdrive.

This object is achieved by the features of the claim 4. Advantageousdevelopments of the invention are indicated in the associated dependentclaims.

Regarding the configuration according to claim 4 the invention is basedon the insight that two drive functions are present, namely on the onehand that of the vibration generator and on the other hand that of thepressure means.

With the configuration in accordance with the invention according toclaim 4 the pressure production means have a pressure piston, acting onthe filler mass, which can be acted upon pneumatically, wherein a commonpressure supply is provided for a pneumatically drivable vibrationgenerator and the pressure production means. Through this there isprovided not only an effective and efficient drive but also a simpledrive, because for both drive functions the common pneumatic pressuresupply is available. In addition, the pneumatic pressure can bedelivered by one or two pressure lines with simple construction.

The invention is further based on the object, with a hand apparatusaccording to the preamble of the claim 5, of extending the range ofpossible applications.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 5. Advantageousdevelopments of the invention are indicated in associated dependentclaims.

With regard to the configuration according to claim 5 the invention isbased on the insight that in the case of a convention dental plaqueremoval device an energy release as required for the removal of plaqueis present and this vibration energy is also suitable for dispensing thepasty filler mass.

With the configuration in accordance with the invention according toclaim 5 the apparatus housing and the vibration generator are part of aconvention dental plaque removal device with a vibrating tool tip,wherein the container with the pressure production means and the exitnozzle is fastenable to the tool. This configuration makes it possibleto use the hand apparatus selectively as dental plaque removal device oras hand apparatus for dispensing the pasty filler mass. Thereby it isensured, due to the possibility of fastening the container containingthe filler mass to the tool, that the vibration energy is transferableto the container. In addition, the container is located in a position inthe forward region of the hand apparatus so that its exit nozzle also isin a position which is suitable for dispensing the pasty filler mass atthe treatment site.

The invention is further based on the object of so configuring acontainer for receiving of a curable medical filler mass, that it issuitable for a hand apparatus for dispensing the pasty filler mass.

This object is achieved by the features of original claims 18 or 20.

Original claim 18 recites:

18. Container (4) for receiving a curable medical, in particulardental-medical, filler mass (M) for filling a cavity in a natural orartificial part of the body of a human or animal body,

having a closeable outlet nozzle (11) at its forward end and a fasteningelement (7 e, 36 a) for the axially or radially fixed connection of thecontainer (4) with an oscillation part (6) of a medical ordental-medical hand apparatus (1), wherein the container (4) is made ofa vibration hard or reverberant material, in particular plastic.

Original claim 20 recites:

20. Container (4) for receiving a curable medical, in particulardental-medical, filler mass (M) for filling a cavity in a natural orartificial part of the body of a human or animal body,

having a receiving body comprised of a hose section, which at its endsis in each case constricted by a closure and contains the filler mass(M).

With the container in accordance with the invention according tooriginal claim 18 the container has a fastening element for axiallyand/or radially fixed connection with an oscillation part of a medicalor dental-medical hand apparatus, wherein the container is of areverberant material, in particular plastic.

With the configuration in accordance with the invention in accordancewith original claim 20 the container has a receiving body consisting ofa hose section which at its ends is in each case is constricted by aclosure.

In the case of both containers in accordance with the invention a goodtransfer of the vibration energy to the container is ensured. With theconfiguration in accordance with the original claim 18 this is ensuredby the presence of a fastening element and, further, ensured in that thecontainer is made of a vibration-hard or reverberant material.

With the configuration according to the original claim 20 this isensured in that the container has a receiving body consisting of a hosesection. With such a hose section the cross-sectional form and sizethereof is flexible and therefore adaptable to the cross-sectional sizeof a receiving chamber receiving the hose bag. Thereby it is to be takeninto account that the pressure which pressure production means presentat a hand apparatus concerned exert on the hose bag, further improvesthe broad area hearing of the hose hag on the wall of the receivingchamber receiving it.

Below, advantageous configurations and developments of the invention areexplained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments andsimplified drawings. There is shown:

FIG. 1 a hand apparatus in accordance with the invention, inlongitudinal section;

FIG. 2 a hand apparatus in accordance with the invention in modifiedconfiguration, in longitudinal section;

FIG. 3 a further modified hand apparatus in accordance with theinvention, in a side view;

FIG. 4 a container for the hand apparatus for receiving a pasty fillermass, in longitudinal section;

FIG. 5 a container in modified configuration, in a side view.

The main components of the hand apparatus designated as a whole by 1 arean elongate, in particular rod-shaped, and in the case of the embodimentstraight extending, apparatus shaft 2, which at least in its forwardregion is formed hollow, preferably sleeve-like, and in which avibration generator 3 is arranged, which generator stands in connectionwith a container 4 for receiving a pasty filler mass, the viscosity ofwhich can be reduced by supply of oscillation energy, and will befurther described below. The container 4 is firmly connected with thevibration generator 3 and therefore capable of taking up the vibrationenergy transferred to it from the vibration generator 3 and to executevibrations. Here there may be involved vibrations whose amplitudes runin directions counter to one another, e.g. in the longitudinal directionof the shaft 2 or transversely thereto, or in many directions andtherefore 3-dimensionally.

Thereby, the container 4 is mounted independently from the shaft formingan apparatus housing 5 for the vibration generator 3, so that it canalso execute the vibrations independently of the housing 5 or shaft 4.This can be achieved in that the container 4 is firmly connected to anoscillation part 6 to which the vibration generator 3 transfers thevibration energy which it applies.

The oscillation part 6 is, in the case of the embodiment, an elongateoscillation shaft, extending longitudinally in the apparatus shaft 2 andwith its forward end into the forward region of the apparatus shaft 2.The container 4 is preferably likewise constituted elongate and isconnected with its rearward end, by means of a connection device 7,releasably with the forward end of the oscillation part 6. For thispurpose the apparatus shaft 2 may have a receiving hole 8, through theforward opening of which the oscillation part 6 extends and for exampleprojects forwardly beyond the apparatus shaft 2, or the oscillation part6 can end before the forward end. In both cases the oscillation part 6is, for connection with the container 4, accessible for this from thefore, so that the container 4 is connectable with the oscillation part6, and thereby can be introduced, if applicable, through the opening 8.

To transfer the vibration power applied by the vibration generator 3 tothe container 4 and the filler mass situated therein as far as possiblein lossless manner, the connection device 7 has no play. This can beattained in that the connection parts, namely the oscillation part 6 andthe container 4, bear on one another over a broad area in thelongitudinal direction and transversely thereto, and fixedly in at leastone direction. The connection device 7 is preferably a screw connection.In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in which the container 4 can beintroduced into and screwed into a receiving hole 9 of the oscillationpart 6, the container 4 can bear with an approximately radial shouldersurface 7 a on a counter-shoulder surface 7 b of the oscillation part 6,and bear with a peripheral surface on a counter-peripheral surface ofthe oscillation part 6, under thread tension, and bear with itsperipheral surface 7 c on a counter-peripheral surface 7 d of theoscillation part 6 formed by an inner surface of the hole 9. However,the rigid abutment can also be realised by means of axially inwardlyconvergent and matching conical surfaces on the outer periphery of thecontainer 4 and on the inner periphery of the oscillation part 6, whichensure the rigid connection both in axial and also in radial direction.The container 4 has at its rearward end a rearwardly upstanding threadpin 7 e, which can be screwed into the screw connection.

The container 4 can be formed by a sleeve body extending straight in thelongitudinal direction, which has at its forward end an outlet opening11 for the filler mass M. In order to improve the accessibility to thetreatment site on the one hand ergonomically and on the other hand inconsideration of a good view, the container 4 is formed in its forwardend region as a forwardly tapering cannula 4 a, which extends e.g.curved or straight, and with regard to the longitudinal middle axis 12of the apparatus shaft 2 transversely, e.g. obliquely forwardly,and—seen longitudinally of the longitudinal middle axis 12—projectsbeyond the periphery of the apparatus shaft 2.

The vibration generator 3 may be arranged at the rearward end of thepreferably cylindrical and hollow oscillation part 6. It may be e.g. anelectrical vibration generator 3, in particular a piezo vibrationgenerator 3. There is, however, also excellently suitable a pneumaticvibration generator 3 which is operable with compressed air which can bedelivered through a feed line which extends to the vibration generator 3from the rear.

By means of a piezo vibration generator 3 vibrations can be produced theamplitudes of which have opposite directions, which run e.g. in thelongitudinal direction of the longitudinal middle axis 12. Within thescope of the invention the direction of the amplitudes may however alsobe transverse to the longitudinal middle axis 12, e.g. radiallydirected.

As FIG. 1 shows, the vibration generator 3 may be arranged between theoscillation part 6 and a counter oscillation part 13, which is likewiselocated in the hollow chamber 2 a of the apparatus shaft 2, wherein thevibration generator 3 forms a connecting member connecting theoscillation part 6 and the counter oscillation part 13 with each other.For the radial mounting of the e.g. cylindrical oscillation part 6 theremay be arranged in the apparatus shaft 2 an e.g. cylindrical receivinghole 8 in which the oscillation part 6 is mounted with a slight radialplay for movement. For the axial positioning of the oscillation part 6,non-illustrated positioning elements are provided. In the region of thevibration generator 3 and in particular in the region of the counteroscillation part 13, the hollow chamber 2 a of the apparatus shaft 2 isformed larger than the vibration generator 3 and/or the counteroscillation part 13.

An energy source 15 may be arranged in the rearward region of theapparatus shaft 2, e.g. a battery, in particular an accumulatoraccessible from the outside for charging, which is connected byelectrical lines with the vibration generator 3 and a control device,designated as a whole by 16, for changing and setting the vibrationenergy that can be transferred from the vibration generator 3 to thecontainer 4 or the filler mass M. For changing the vibration energy thecontrol device 16 has a movably mounted setting or control element 17,which may be part of a control apparatus external with respect to thehand apparatus 1 and may be arranged e.g. at a foot switch e.g. or maybe movably mounted on the apparatus shaft 2. In the embodiment thecontrol element 17 is arranged in the forward end region of theapparatus shaft 2 on the periphery thereof and movable longitudinally ofthe longitudinal middle axis 12 or transversely thereof, e.g. in theperipheral direction. Thereby, the control element 17 may be a ringelement as FIG. 1 shows by way of example. By means of a movement andreturn movement of the control element 17 the transferable vibrationenergy can selectively be increased and reduced.

The filler mass M is a filler material for filling of cavities of thehuman or animal body, in particular a filler mass on synthetic resinbasis, e.g. with a synthetic resin curable by ultraviolet light, as isknow e.g. with dental filler masses M. To reduce a volume reduction ofthe filler mass M due to shrinkage upon hardening, the synthetic resincontains admixed inorganic materials e.g. in powder form. The higher thecontent of the filler mass M of such an inorganic material is, thegreater is the toughness or viscosity of the filler mass M and thelesser is the shrinkage appearing upon hardening. By acting on thefiller mass M with vibration energy the viscosity of the filler mass Mis reduced so that it is able to emerge from the container 4 through theoutlet opening 11 and to fill the cavity and also to fill out smallcorners of the cavity.

Thereby the control device 16 in accordance with the invention makes itpossible not only to adapt the consistency or viscosity the filler massM but also the quantity transported from the outlet opening 11 to localrequirements e.g. to different forms and/or sizes of the cavityconcerned. In order to fill a cavity of restricted cross-section or withsmall corners or gaps, the viscosity of the filler mass M can be reducedby an increase of the vibration power. In addition, the respectivelydesired transport quantity and therefore the filling procedure can beadjusted to local requirements. For large cavities the transportquantity can be increased and reduced for small cavities. With theembodiment of FIG. 1 it is advantageous to so adapt to each other theviscosity of the filler mass M, the pressure exerted by the pressuredevice 18 on the filler mass M, the vibration power and the size of theoutlet opening 11 that with vibration generator 3 turned off the fillermass M does not leave the container 4 and therefore remains therein, andonly with switched on vibration generator 3 emerges from the outletopening 11 with a slight transport quantity, wherein this transportquantity can be selectively increased by an increase of the vibrationpower and again reduced.

The embodiment according to FIG. 2, in which the same or comparableparts are provided with the same reference signs, differs from theabove-described embodiment in a number of respects.

Also in this embodiment the pressure device 18 is integrated into theoscillation part, whereby it has a pressure element 19 in the form of apressure piston 22 which can be acted upon pneumatically, which boundsto the rear a receiving chamber 23 for the filler mass M arranged in theoscillation part 6 which chamber is forwardly open, and which can beacted upon at the rear with a pneumatic pressure. The pressure may bedeliverable by a pneumatic pressure line 24 extending from the rear tothe sleeve-like oscillation part 6, which e.g. is attached thereon atthe rearward end of the oscillation part 6, e.g. by means of a lineconnection 25 which may be formed by a pipe or hose connection. In thisembodiment the hand apparatus 1 is rearwardly connected, preferably bymeans of a flexible supply line 26, with a non-illustrated so-calledsupply apparatus which has a pressure source from which there extendsthe pressure line 24 longitudinally through the supply line 26.

In addition, in this embodiment there is preferably provided a pneumaticvibration generator 3 which is arranged behind the stroke region of thepressure piston 22 and can be formed by an oscillation sleeve 27 whichsurrounds the oscillation part 6 with a radial spacing, wherein in thelongitudinal region of the oscillation sleeve 27 a plurality of radialholes 28 are arranged in the oscillation part 6. The oscillation sleeve27 is positioned or limited in the longitudinal direction of theoscillation part 6 by suitable means. These may be formed by limitationrings 29 sitting axially fixedly on the oscillation part, which may berings of an elastic material, e.g. plastic or rubber, sitting on theoscillation part 6 e.g. means of elastic clamping.

The pressure piston 22 is preferably sealed off in the oscillation part6 by at least one e.g. two sealing rings 31 having an axial spacing fromone another, wherein the sealing ring or rings 31 are in each casereceived in a ring groove in the pressure piston 22.

Also in this embodiment the vibration generator 3 can oscillate invibration operation with amplitudes which are directed in mutuallyoppositely lying axial directions and/or radial directions of theoscillation part, wherein there may be involved a vibration generator 3suitable for this, e.g. a piezo vibration generator or another vibrationgenerator.

If a pneumatic vibration generator 3 is provided, mainly radialoscillation amplitudes are produced on the oscillation part 6 which,however, are also superposed by axial oscillation amplitudes so that3-dimensional oscillation amplitudes result for the oscillation part 6.In response the oscillation part 6 can react with radial and also axialtilt movements, which with the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2 arein particular therefore possible because the oscillation part 6 ismounted radially elastically yieldably in the apparatus shaft 2, e.g. bymeans of one or two bearing rings 32 having an axial spacing from oneanother, made of elastically compressible material, in particular rubberor plastic, of which the possibly present rearward bearing ring 32 ispreferably arranged before the vibration generator 3. The bearing rings32 can in each case be held in a ring groove which is e.g. located inthe inner peripheral surface of the ring-like apparatus shaft 2. In thisembodiment between the oscillation part 6 and the wall of the receivinghole 8 there is provided a radial play for movement, which makespossible the oscillation movements of the oscillation part 6.

It is possible, but not necessary and for reasons of a simple inspectionadvantageous, not to give the filler mass M directly into the receivingchamber 23, but to insert therein matching containers 4 filled with thefiller mass M, so-called cartridges, out of which the filler mass M isforwardly pressable by a forwards movement of the pressure piston 22.These containers 4 therefore have at their forward ends an outletopening 33 which is opened e.g. upon use in the receiving chamber 23 oropens automatically under the pressure applied by the pressure piston22, e.g. at a weak point.

The container 4 can be slid from the fore into the sleeve-likeoscillation part 6. In the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2, inwhich a cannula 4 a is connected releasably with the oscillation part 6,preferably by means of a screw connection, in particular by screwing on,the cannula 4 a is released before an emplacement of the container 4 andthereafter again installed. The form of the cannula 4 a can correspondto the construction described for the embodiment in accordance with FIG.1.

The oscillation part 6 may have, in front of the apparatus shaft 2, onone or on both sides, a preferably elongate viewing window 34, whichmakes it possible to recognise the capacity of the filler mass M, inparticular with a configuration in form of a hose bag in accordance withFIG. 4.

With the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2 the control element 17 canserve to act on the vibration generator 3 and the pressure piston 22 atthe same time and together with the pressure fluid of the pressure line24. An in this case associated common valve in the pressure line 24 canbe arranged in the region of the hand apparatus 1 or in the region ofthe above-described non-illustrated supply apparatus.

In the case of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 2 the viscosity ofthe filler mass M is preferably so great, under consideration of thecross-sectional size of the outlet opening 11, that with pressure device18 not switched on and vibration generator 3 not switched on it does notrun out through the outlet opening 11 from the container 4 or thecannula 4 a and therefore remains in the oscillation part 6.

Within the scope of the invention the viscosity can be so great thatwith pressure device 18 switched on the filler mass M is pressed outthrough the outlet opening 11. The pressure device 18 can therefore beused for the purpose of transporting the filler material M out of theapparatus shaft 2. By means of a vibration generator 3 which can beadditionally switched in the viscosity can then be reduced and thetransport quantity increased. If, beyond this, the vibration power ofthe oscillation generator 3 is adjustable, namely can be increased andagain reduced, the viscosity can be reduced further and again increased,and the transport quantity increased and again reduced.

In the case of all embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 1 to 3 thecontainer 4 has a peripheral wall 4 b, which at least in a rearwardlongitudinal section surrounds a prismatic, in particular cylindricalreceiving chamber 4 c, which is closed by a piston cover 4 d, insertedfrom the rearward end, of suitable cross-sectional form.

In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 3 the perimeter wall 4 bis a hollow cylindrical wall which is closed at its forward end by athin end wall 4 e, in particular a foil, e.g. of metal or plastic. Theend wall 4 e can e.g. be adhered together with the end face of theperimeter wall 4 b. At at least one side the end wall 4 e can projectlaterally beyond the perimeter wall of 4 b. A so formed grip edge 4 fcan serve to tear off the end wall 4 e and thus to open the container 4at its forward end, for use. An opening can however also be created inthat the end wall is pierced through. This can also be effected with acontainer 4 and hose bag in accordance with FIG. 4.

The outer cross-sectional dimension of the perimeter wall 4 b isadapted, under consideration of an adequate play for movement, to thecross-sectional dimension of the in this case cylindrical receiving hole9, so that the container 4 can be inserted therein from the fore.

In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 4, in which the same orcomparable parts are likewise provided with the same reference signs,the container 4 is formed by a hose bag 4 g, which is closed at one orat both ends by a closure 4 h, which may be formed by a ring-likeconstriction part 4 i, which surrounds an end section of the hose of thehose bag 4 g and presses it together in the sense of a constriction.Also in the case of this embodiment the cross-sectional form anddimension of the hose bag 4 g is so adapted with play for movement tothe cross-sectional dimension of the receiving hole 9 that the hose bag4 g can be inserted into the oscillation part 6 in accordance with FIG.2. Due to the pliability of the pasty filler mass M the cross-sectionaldimension of the hose bag 4 g can also be slightly greater. Since thehose bag 4 g allows itself to be pressed together transversely, it isadaptable to the cross-sectional dimension of the receiving hole 9.

In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 the length L1 of thestraight extending longitudinal section of the receiving chamber 4 c orof the straight extending rearward longitudinal section of theperipheral wall 4 b is adapted to the depth of the receiving hole 9. Inthe case of the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4 the total lengthsof the containers 4 are adapted to the available length L2 of thereceiving chamber 23 in the oscillation part 6, which is predeterminedby the spacing of the pressure piston 22 from the forward end of thesleeve-like oscillation part 6.

Unlike usual cartridges known for joint sealing apparatuses, in the caseof the container 4 in accordance with the invention the perimeter wall 4b is not only considerably thicker, but it also consists of areverberant material which is well suited for a transmission ofbody-carried noise through the peripheral wall 4 b to the fillermaterial. The piston cover 4 also consists this of such a material. Assuch a reverberant material there is well suited a metal, in particularlight metal such as aluminium, or plastic, because of a desired slightweight.

In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 5, in which the same orcomparable parts are likewise provided with the same reference signs,the hand apparatus 1 is a dental plaque removal device known per se, asis described e.g. in DE 100 39 198 A1. The main parts of this known handapparatus 1 are likewise an e.g. straight extending apparatus shaft 2 inwhich a rod-shaped oscillation part 6 is mounted so as to be capable ofoscillation, e.g. likewise by means of rings 31 made of elasticmaterial, such as rubber or plastic. A vibration generator 3 is arrangedin an associated hollow chamber 2 a of the apparatus shaft 2, whereby itacts on a rearward longitudinal section of the oscillation part 6, e.g.is fastened thereto or is integrated into the oscillation part. Thishand apparatus 1 has an elongate operating tool 35, extending insubstance forwardly from the oscillation part 6, e.g. in form of ahooked-shaped curved spur, which in case of the embodiment is formed inits forward end region conically forwardly convergently.

In the case of this hand apparatus 1 the container 4 containing thefiller mass M and having a pressure device 18 is fastened releasably inthe forward end region of the operating tool 35 by means of a releasablefixing device 36. This includes a fastening part 36 a arranged on thecontainer 4 and a corresponding fastening part 36 b on the operatingtool 35, which as parts of the fixing device 36 are fastenable to eachother, preferably in the manner of a quick fastening connection, whichcan be brought about in handling friendly and rapid manner, and againreleased.

In the case of the present embodiment the fixing device 36 is formed bya clamping device exploiting the wedge effect of the convergent conicalend region 35 a of the operating tool 35. The fastening part 36 aassociated with the container 4 is preferably arranged in the middlelongitudinal region of its outer perimeter and formed e.g. by aninsertion recess 37 convergent towards the forward end of the container4, which is so adapted to the cross-sectional form and size of theforward end region 35 a of the operating tool 35 that the container 4with its fastening part 36 a can be inserted onto the operating tool 35in clamping manner. The insertion recess 37 may e.g. be formed by a bow38 fastened to the outer periphery of the container 4, the inner surface38 a of which is so adapted to the cross-sectional size and convergenceof the operating tool 35 that it is clampable or fastenable byinsertion.

In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 5 the pressure device 18can be formed by the spring 21 and the pressure piston or piston cover 4d displaceably guided the hollow cylindrical peripheral wall 4 b. Thecompression spring 21 may bear on a rear cover 4 j of the container 4,which is connected by a quick fastening connection, e.g. a bayonetconnection or a screw connection, with the rearward end of the container4 or of the peripheral wall 4 b. The compression spring 21, preferablyformed by a coil spring, can obtain its biasing in that its length inthe relaxed condition and in the initial position of the piston cover 4d, in the container 4 filled the filler mass M, projects beyond therearward end of the container 4, and through the closing of the cover 4j is so far pressed together axially and biased, that this biasingsuffices for the pressure stroke of the piston cover 4 indicated by b inFIG. 5 this also stands in its forward stroke position under the biasingof the compression spring 21.

In the case of all embodiments it is advantageous to close the outletopening 11 by a closure, which can be formed e.g. by a closure cap 39which is e.g. inserted releasably onto the forward end of the container4 constituted as a cannula of 4 a.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hand apparatus for dispensing a pastyfiller mass the viscosity of which can be reduced by supplying vibrationenergy, comprising: an apparatus housing having an apparatus housingdistal end and an apparatus housing proximal end; an oscillation parthaving an oscillation part distal end and an oscillation part proximalend, said oscillation part extending along an oscillation part axis onlybetween said oscillation part distal end and said oscillation partproximal end, said oscillation part partially within said apparatushousing such that a region of said oscillation part is within a regionof said apparatus housing that is adjacent said apparatus housing distalend, said oscillation part distal end extending distally beyond saidapparatus housing distal end so that said oscillation part distal end isoutside said apparatus housing; a container for the pasty filler mass, avibration generator, an oscillation sleeve contained within saidapparatus housing and disposed around an opposing oscillation partportion of said oscillation part; wherein said opposing oscillation partportion has surfaces that define a plurality of holes extending frominside said oscillation part to outside said oscillation part; andfurther comprising limitation rings fixed to said oscillation sleeve,said limitation rings disposed between said oscillation sleeve and saidoscillation part; wherein the vibration generator and the container aremounted movably with respect to the apparatus housing and are directlyvibration-coupled with each other.
 2. The hand apparatus of claim 1wherein said oscillation sleeve is axially and/or radially or3-dimensionally oscillatable.
 3. The hand apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a releasable connection mechanism designed to releasablyconnect said container for containing pasty filler mass to saidoscillation part.
 4. The hand apparatus of claim 1, further comprisingat least one screw designed to connect said container for containingpasty filler mass to said oscillation part.
 5. The hand apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a piston cover; a compression spring;wherein said compression spring and said piston cover are arranged insaid oscillation part so that said compression spring biases said pistoncover distally.
 6. The hand apparatus, of claim 1, wherein saidoscillation part is in contact with said container.
 7. The handapparatus of claim 1, wherein said container has a fastening element forfastening to said oscillation part.
 8. The hand apparatus of claim 1further comprising an exit nozzle extending distally of said distal endof said oscillation part, wherein said hand apparatus is designed sothat said pasty filler mass exits said exit nozzle.
 9. The handapparatus of claim 8 wherein said exit nozzle has a distal portion thatextends along an exit nozzle distal portion axis wherein said exitnozzle distal portion axis is not aligned with said oscillation partaxis.
 10. The hand apparatus of claim 1 wherein said oscillation partdistal end defines an opening for a receiving chamber for saidcartridge.